Young Croatian Research Articles

An exploratory study on the readability of authentic English chapter books for Croatian primary school students

The paper explores chapter books, explaining their nature and providing information on their usefulness and possible uses in the context of teaching English as a foreign language. It outlines their properties, layout and subject matter. The goal of the exploratory study was to investigate whether young Croatian pupils could read English chapter books written for native speakers and whether illustrations helped them to comprehend the narrative. Furthermore, it aimed to examine pupils’ response to the format of chapter books. The study about the suitability of chapter books was conducted among pupils in the third, fourth and fifth grade in two Croatian schools, and its results show that young learners of English as a foreign language can grasp the essence of a story and can reflect on what they read, identify points of difficulty and the strategies applied. The findings suggest that carefully chosen chapter books can be valuable authentic materials in aiding language acquisition, fostering discussions, and engaging higher-order thinking skills in young EFL learners in Croatia.

Are the somatotype still a useful method for selection in volleyball?

The goal of this research was to determine whether the somatotype is still a useful method that can be used to confirm the selection of young and promising volleyball players. For this purpose, groups of volleyball players of different age (U16 and U18) and status affiliation (starters and substitutes) were compared by means of calculated somatotypes. The sample of examinees was formed by top-level young Croatian female volleyball players (n=28, age=15.7±1.0 years, body height=179.6±7.2 cm body weight=64.8±7.0 kg), which was further then divided into subsamples regarding age category (U16 and U18) and team status (starters, non-starters). Players’ somatotype was calculated according to the Heath-Carter method, whereas the significance of differences between the groups was determined with the t-test for independent samples. The average somatotype of all players was calculated as a balanced ectomorph, and accordingly also for subsamples U16 balanced ectomorph and U18 endomorphic-ectomorph, while for starters endomorphicectomorph and for non-starters central somatotype. In addition, upon analysis of the somatotype of all players, it was determined there was a total of 10 categories out of the possible 13 somatotypes, and that among those the most represented were endomorphic-ectomorphs (39.3%) and central somatotypes (17.9%). Among players in the U16 and U18 age categories there were no differences determined in none of the somatotype components, whereas among starters and non-starters differences occurred only in the ectomorph somatotype component.

Which decision-making stages matter more? Influencer’s perceived credibility, sponsorship and moderating role of trust

Purpose By acknowledging the importance of micro-influencers and all decision-making process stages, this study aims to explore the impact of perceived influencer’s credibility, impacted by the sponsorship absenteeism, on problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase and post-purchase. Additionally, the authors investigate the moderating role of trust level on the researched relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study focuses on 111 young Croatian consumers of cosmetic products. The authors analysed data with confirmatory factor and regression analyses. Findings This study reveals positive relationships between micro-influencers’ perceived credibility and all decision-making phases. The research results also show that the lack of sponsorship positively influences perceived credibility. Furthermore, results indicate that the trust level is an essential moderator for the relationships between perceived credibility and sponsorship and information search and buying stages. Research limitations/implications Limitations include the convenience sampling method and data collection at one point while also focusing on consumers from one country. Practical implications This study provides practical implications for companies outlining the marketing activities that should be considered in all stages of the decision-making process while recognising the attractiveness of micro-influencers for the buying experience. Originality/value This study fills gaps in the literature on micro-influencers credibility in general and particularly in the cosmetics industry. In addition, the study fills the gaps in the literature considering the impact of perceived micro-influencer credibility on all five decision-making process stages.

What Determines the Competitive Success of Young Croatian Wrestlers: Anthropometric Indices, Generic or Specific Fitness Performance?

Identifying factors influencing wrestling performance is important for determining which capacities should be developed the most. This research aimed to investigate whether anthropometric indices, generic fitness, and specific fitness performance determine the competitive success of young wrestlers. This research included 49 Croatian Greco-Roman male wrestlers aged 17.75 ± 1.51 years. Variables included training and competing experience, anthropometric indices, generic fitness (countermovement jump and handgrip strength), and specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT). Wrestlers were separated into medallists and non-medallists (i.e., wrestlers who won a medal at the previous National Championship and wrestlers who did not win a medal, respectively). The t-test for independent samples was used to determine the differences between the two categories in all variables. Moreover, discriminant analysis was performed to identify differences in a multivariate manner. Medallists and non-medallists did not differ in anthropometric indices and wrestling experience. Medallists had better results in the countermovement jump (t = 2.55, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (t = 2.77, p < 0.01), and SWFT performance (t = 2.29, p < 0.05) than non-medallists. The discriminant analysis confirmed that performance categories differed in generic and specific fitness tests (Wilks' Lambda = 0.73, p < 0.05). It could be suggested that coaches should develop both the generic and specific fitness of their wrestlers to become more successful at competitions.

Performance-enhancing drugs attitudes among young amateur Croatian athletes

Abstract Background Recent studies revealed that amateur athletes, especially young ones, have an increasing tendency of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) usage. The aim of this study was to explore PEDs attitudes among young, amateur Croatian athletes. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was done in convenient sample of young amateur Croatian athletes during the August 2019 to January 2020 at the occupational and sports medicine office in Eastern Croatia. Performance Enhancement Attitudes Scale (PEAS) was used for evaluation of athletes' attitudes towards doping. Results There were 306 athletes median age 18.0 (interquartile range (IR) 15.0 - 21.0) years; 62.7% females and 37.3% males. According to the age there were 52.9% of adolescents (aged 13 to 18 years) and 47.1% of young adults (aged 19 to 24 years). Regarding the type of sport there were 19.6% of subjects who played individual sports and 80.4% of them who played team sports. Considering the length of sport engagement 49.7% of subjects were engaged in their sport for 1 to 5 years and 50.3% of them were engaged in their sport for 6 or more years. The prevalence of current PEDs usage was 1.3%, while past PEDs usage prevalence was 3.3%. Current PEDs usage was more frequent among young adults (P = 0.048) and athletes playing individual sports (P = 0.001). Athletes who were engaged in sports for 1 to 5 years had more permissive attitudes toward PEDs (P &amp;lt; 0.001) as measured by the PEAS. The study did not establish any correlation between current or past PEDs usage and attitudes toward PEDs. Conclusions PEDs usage is present among young Croatian amateur athletes. There is a need for interventions directed toward the prevention of PEDs usage in an observed subgroup of athletes. Key messages In order to be more effective doping prevention strategies should take into account athletes’ attitudes towards doping. Public awareness and knowledge about doping in sports should be increased in order to achieve more efficient anti-doping programs.

Transitory bone marrow oedema of the hip in pregnant patient with antiphospholipid syndrome: A case report

BackgroundTransient bone marrow oedema (BMO) of the hip presents with pain, is diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and usually resolves within 6 months. Risk factors include pregnancy. Avascular necrosis of bone and an association with BMO are among the less common presentations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Aim of the workTo present a young Croatian female APS patient who developed transient BMO during pregnancy which spontaneously resolved postpartum. Case reportAfter developing left leg deep vein thrombosis and positive lupus anticoagulant at 22 years old, the patient was diagnosed with primary APS. Antinuclear antibody was borderline, but classification criteria for SLE were not fulfilled. She had an early missed abortion during her first pregnancy while receiving low-weight molecular heparin (LWMH) (enoxaparin 40 mg), and her second pregnancy was to term with LWMH, aspirin, and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg daily. During the third trimester of this pregnancy, she developed excruciating bilateral hip pain to the point she could barely walk. Based on an MRI scan, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral BMO of the femoral head. The condition improved and resolved within four months with conservative treatment postpartum, as confirmed by followup MRI. ConclusionConsidering that pregnancy and APS are risk factors for BMO, both played a role in the development of BMO and the severity of presentation. This case report presents a differential diagnosis of hip pain in pregnant patients, especially with APS. Although APS is commonly associated with AVN, it may also be associated with transient BMO.

Dječja poezija u zadarskom dječjem listu prijatelj malenih (1915. – 1917.)

U radu se analizira sadržaj dječjega euharistijskog listića Prijatelj malenih, pokrenut u Zadru ratne 1915. godine koji je izlazio zaključno s 1917. Urednik je bio franjevac Hugolin Didon (u prvom broju podršku mu je dao i zadarski nadbiskup Vinko Pulišić), s nakanom izlaženja „za malene službenike i službenice Presv. Sakramenta, za hrvatsku učeću mladež obojega spola i kršćanske obitelji.“ Interpretiraju se književni prilozi vjerske i poučne tematike koje potpisuju suradnici i suradnice pod pseudonimima: Rosanda, Anjeza, Tiehomir f…, Levina, Karla, Pere Milošev, A. Kontin i drugi. Također se ističe i suradnju Ljubimira Jurića, najprije nadučitelja u Biogradu, a poslije na Voštarnici u Zadru. Bio je stalni i najproduktivniji autor uglavnom prigodne dječje poezije u listu koji je vjerski orijentiran, ali donosi i sadržaje poučnog i zabavnog karaktera. U duhu katoličkog nauka s poukom razmatraju se mnoge teme: Isusov život, životi svetaca, marljivost, nesebičnost, domoljublje, rat, poslušnost i dr.

The Implications of Facebook in Political Marketing Campaigns in Croatia

In the young Croatian democracy, there is a necessary role of the strategic approach to the political marketing communication campaigns, especially in using the new media, social networks and Facebook, being the most representative one. This paper aims to analyse to what degree the political parties use Facebook, how they manage this, and the opinions and viewpoints of the voters. This study has two major goals: to analyse how the leading political parties in Croatia use and manage social media services, particularly Facebook, and to evaluate perspectives of the Croatian voters regarding social media during political campaigns. Two instruments were created based on the secondary research: a protocol for in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with the social media specialists of the leading Croatian political parties (n = 3) and a survey of voters (n = 557), ranging in age from 18-45 years (78.1%), 46-55 years (14.7%), 56-65 years (6.1%) and older than 66 (1.1%). Croatian political parties do not use Facebook's entire potential. The respondents who vote regularly believe that the political parties' Facebook pages are significant in their promotion and visit these pages more frequently. These pages are visited more frequently during political campaigns. It is imperative to focus on increased quality and more frequent communication, direct communication and turning to young people in the campaigns. There are statistically significant differences with regard to age on the issue of voting. Croatian political parties can improve the potential of social networks, primarily Facebook, in election campaigns.Implications for a Central European audience: In addition to the specified deficiencies of the Facebook pages, the voters provided suggestions for improving the Facebook content and increasing page visits. When used in combination with other social media, Facebook has the strongest potential for influencing the young voters. The results indicate the need for professional management of relevant social media strategies and tactics. The improvements of the Facebook pages can be grouped in several categories, the most important being Content, Communication and Strategy. The improvements would yield more frequent visits by the potential voters.

‘Things were good during Tito’s times, my parents say’: How young Croatian generations negotiated the socially mediated frames of the recent Yugoslav past

How do new generations in a society negotiate different perspectives of a controversial past available from various sources? How do they use the past to make sense of their lives? Using in-depth interviews with 72 young members of the first two Croatian post-Yugoslav generations, this study analysed how these young people acquired elements of their repertoires on the recent Yugoslav past from family members, school and the media, how they assessed these elements in terms of plausibility and legitimacy, and how they appropriated or questioned them. The study’s findings suggest that the credibility of the socially mediated perspectives of the past was increased by the emotional bond with the sources who adopted the role of witnesses, and by the fit with the personal concerns of the meaning-making audience. As a result, the most successful were the frames transmitted by the communicative sources through social interaction, rather than by the institutionalized sources.

Recepcija bajke „Regoč“ u nasljednih učenika hrvatskoga jezika

The paper presents the habits and attitudes of young Croatian heritage language learners (CHLLs) attending the American International School of Zagreb (AISZ) towards reading in general and towards reading fairy tales in Croatian and English. More specifically, their reception of the fairy tale “Reygoch” by Ivana Brlic-Mažuranic is considered. Although mostly bilingual, the CHLLs in this study follow the curriculum in the English language, and they attend Croatian Language and Literature classes. The curriculum for this subject, adapted to AISZ students’ needs, introduces Croatian Tales of Long Ago by Ivana Brlic-Mažuranic in Croatian in the 4th grade. The results show that works of Brlic- Mažuranic can be offered for reading to young CHLLs, taking into consideration their specific reception. They also reveal the level of literary reading skills and describe the differences between students. Possible difficulties which students encounter in reading an authentic text, challenging at various levels of reading a literary text, are explained. Finally, the authors offer suggestions to help avoid such difficulties or at least to lessen them.

Anthropometric and physical characteristics allow differentiation of young female volleyball players according to playing position and level of expertise.

The aim of our study was to determine the differences in some anthropometric and physical performance variables of young Croatian female volleyball players (aged 13 to 15) in relation to playing position (i.e., independent variable) and performance level within each position (i.e., independent variable). Players were categorized according to playing position (i.e., role) as middle blockers (n=28), opposite hitters (n=41), passer-hitters (n=54), setters (n=30), and liberos (n=28). Within each position, players were divided into a more successful group and a less successful group according to team ranking in the latest regional championship and player quality within the team. Height and body mass, somatotype by the Heath-Carter method, and four tests of lower body power, speed, agility and upper body power (i.e., dependent variables) were assessed. Players in different positions differed significantly in height and all three somatotype components, but no significant differences were found in body mass, body mass index or measured physical performance variables. Players of different performance level differed significantly in both anthropometric and physical performance variables. Generally, middle blockers were taller, more ectomorphic, less mesomorphic and endomorphic, whereas liberos were shorter, less ectomorphic, more mesomorphic and endomorphic than players in other positions. More successful players in all positions had a lower body mass index, were less mesomorphic and endomorphic, and more ectomorphic than less successful players. Furthermore, more successful players showed better lower body power, speed, agility and upper body power. The results of this study can potentially provide coaches with useful indications about the use of somatotype selection and physical performance assessment for talent identification and development.

(Not) talking about politics on Facebook: the case of Croatian young adults

In the era of declined public trust in democratic institutions, the emergence of social media renewed hopes for citizens' firmer inclusion and engagement in politics. This study explores young adults' online political engagement in a new European Union member state - Croatia. This case is particularly important as it deals with a 'newly' democratic country that faces low levels of trust in politicians. Starting with their levels of offline participation, I examined levels of online political participation and the connection and interaction between them. An online survey was supplemented with a limited number of in-depth interviews to further examine the underlying reasons for certain opinions and attitudes. The results show that social media are a good tool for boosting political participation among young Croatian citizens and influencing voters' opinions, despite the fact that one of the main characteristics of this type of communication remains clicktivism.

(Not) talking about politics on Facebook: the case of Croatian young adults

In the era of declined public trust in democratic institutions, the emergence of social media renewed hopes for citizens' firmer inclusion and engagement in politics. This study explores young adults' online political engagement in a new European Union member state - Croatia. This case is particularly important as it deals with a 'newly' democratic country that faces low levels of trust in politicians. Starting with their levels of offline participation, I examined levels of online political participation and the connection and interaction between them. An online survey was supplemented with a limited number of in-depth interviews to further examine the underlying reasons for certain opinions and attitudes. The results show that social media are a good tool for boosting political participation among young Croatian citizens and influencing voters' opinions, despite the fact that one of the main characteristics of this type of communication remains clicktivism.

Antipoetika Ivane Sajko: Što ludilo, revolucija i pisanje imaju zajedničko?

Ivana Sajko is a young Croatian author (1975) whose theatre work is ascribed by contemporary anthologists to the so-called new Croatian drama (Rafolt 9). Leo Rafolt observes that, if such a notion can be recognized at all, its main features would include the authors’ experimental and destructive attitude towards conventional modes, as well as an increasing thematic occurrence of violence in written texts and on stage (9), thus making the new Croatian drama similar to the in-yer-face dramaturgy. The paper provides an overview of ideas which seem to prevail throughout Ivana Sajko’s theoretical and dramatic work, some of which represent an original and very personal approach to theatre and playwriting. In addition to this, the analysis of Sajko’s trilogy Archetype: Medea, Bomb-Woman, Europe in this paper will show Sajko’s perception and understanding of madness, revolution and limits of art, more precisely, writing through the female characters in these three monodramas.

Nobody is innocent

Abstract This article focuses on the relation of women artists toward the problem of the body and woman as Other in performance art practices. It addresses the changes in corporeal politics and the procedures of governmentality in contemporary society through a debut performance by the young Croatian dancer and choreographer Nataša Mihoci entitled Nobody Is Innocent. Further, it scrutinises representations of women in popular culture, the production of the image and its effects on the process of subjectivation.

Antun Gustav Matoš i Đakovo

The paper deals with the relationship between Antun Gustav Matos and the most important people of the town’s cultural and political life at the turn of the 19 th into 20 th century. The relationship between Matos and the town Đakovo is considered from two perspectives: the first being the perspective of Matos, which is based on his two travel accounts and numerous writings about Đakovo, i.e. the Bishop of the Diocese of Đakovo, Josip Juraj Strossmayer; the second perspective is that of Đakovo-based writers and considers their attitudes towards Matos, with a special regard to the Bishop Strossmayer. The relationship between Antun Gustav Matos and the Bishop Strossmayer was complex, even though it was, seemingly paradoxical, one-sided. Strossmayer was in many, ways an extraordinarily important person for Matos, who wrote many texts about Strossmayer, for Strossmayer however, Matos was only one among many young Croatian writers who were asking him for help and wrote about him. Strossmayer refused to provide Matos with patronage, therefore the aim of this paper is to establish the reasons behind that decision, and determine why Croatia’s most prominent patron could not, or refused to, acknowledge one of Croatia’s most important writers.

Is Religiosity a Barrier to Sexual and Reproductive Health? Results from a Population-Based Study of Young Croatian Adults

Following the demise of socialism in 1989, religious identification substantially increased in most countries of Central, East, and Southeast Europe. Considering that there is evidence that religiosity is associated with reduced sexual risk taking among young people, this study explored associations between religiosity--assessed at three different levels (religious upbringing, personal religiosity, and social network religiosity)--and sexual risks among young Croatian adults. In addition, we examined whether religiosity predicted chlamydial infection among women and men aged 18-25. The data were collected in a national probability survey carried out in 2010 (n = 1,005). Overall, the effects of religiosity were sporadic, present primarily among women, and of small size. This lack of a sizeable impact of religiosity on young adults' sexuality was likely related to a particular type of religiosity, characterized by individualized morality, found among young people in the country. Although Croatia seems to be one of the most religious countries in Europe, our findings suggest that promoting religious morality--as recently attempted by an abstinence-based educational program--may not be an efficient tool in reducing sexual risks.

Condom Use Errors and Problems in a National Sample of Young Croatian Adults

In this study, we examined the correlates of condom use errors and problems in a population-based study conducted in 2010 among young Croatian adults aged 18-25 years. Out of a total sample of 1,005 participants, 679 reported condom use in the preceding year. The analyses focused on four outcomes: condom breakage, condom slippage, condom-related erection loss, and delayed condom application. Eighteen percent of participants experienced breakage, 13% reported slippage, 17% reported erection loss, and 34% applied a condom after intercourse started. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the correlates of these condom use errors and problems. Condom breakage was less likely to be reported by women and older participants. The odds of breakage were increased for participants who reported being under the influence of drugs during sex and who reported other condom use errors and problems in the past year. Condom slippage was more likely to occur among younger participants and those who reported condom breakage and delayed condom application. Condom-related erection loss was positively associated with a higher number of sexual partners in the preceding year, condom breakage, and a higher score on the Anti-Erotic Obstacles to Condom Use Scale. Odds of delayed condom application were increased for participants who experienced condom breakage and for those who consumed alcohol before sex in the past year. Having used a condom at first sex significantly reduced the odds of applying a condom after intercourse started. In comparison to non-habitual condom users, habitual users were found less likely to report any of the assessed condom use errors and problems. Improving condom use skills remains an important task in Croatia, which is currently hampered by the absence of evidence-based sex education in schools.

Changes in human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections-related sexual risk taking among young Croatian adults: 2005 and 2010 population-based surveys.

AimTo determine changes in sexual behaviors and other relevant characteristics related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks among young Croatian adults.MethodWe surveyed adults aged 18-24 in 2005 (n = 1092) and 18-25 in 2010 (n = 1005). Both samples were probabilistic and stratified by county, settlement size, age, and gender. The samples were non-matched. Trained interviewers conducted structured face-to-face interviews in participants’ households. The part of the questionnaire assessing sensitive information was self-administered.ResultsA majority of participants at both survey points (85.2%-86.2%) were sexually active. Median age at sexual debut (17 years) remained unchanged. Lifetime number of sexual partners was also stable. More women than men reported only one lifetime sexual partner. The prevalence of condom use at first intercourse increased (from 62.6 to 70%, P = 0.002), while the prevalence of condom use at most recent sexual intercourse remained stable (54% in 2005 and 54.7% in 2010). Consistent condom use also remained unchanged. About one fifth of participants (19.2% in 2005 and 20% in 2010) reported consistent condom use in the past year. At both survey points for both genders, consistent condom use was associated with age (odds ratio [OR] Women2005 = 0.74, P = 0.004; ORWomen2010 = 0.72, P < 0.001; ORMen2005 = 0.73, P < 0.001; ORMen2010 = 0.80, P = 0.006), negative attitudes toward condom use (ORWomen2005 = 0.84, P = 0.001; ORWomen2010 = 0.90, P = 0.026; ORMen2005 = 0.92, P = 0.032; ORMen2010 = 0.90, P = 0.011)), and condom use at first intercourse (ORWomen2005 = 3.87, P < 0.001; ORWomen2010 = 4.64, P < 0.001; ORMen2005 = 5.85, P < 0.001; ORMen2010 = 4.03, P < 0.001). In the observed period, HIV/AIDS knowledge was stable.ConclusionRisky sexual practices remain common among young Croatian adults. Given the recently reported STI prevalence rates in this age cohort, introduction of school-based sex education that would focus on protective behavioral and communication skills seems to be of crucial epidemiological importance.

Pornography, Sexual Socialization, and Satisfaction Among Young Men

In spite of a growing presence of pornography in contemporary life, little is known about its potential effects on young people's sexual socialization and sexual satisfaction. In this article, we present a theoretical model of the effects of sexually explicit materials (SEM) mediated by sexual scripting and moderated by the type of SEM used. An on-line survey dataset that included 650 young Croatian men aged 18-25 years was used to explore empirically the model. Descriptive findings pointed to significant differences between mainstream and paraphilic SEM users in frequency of SEM use at the age of 14, current SEM use, frequency of masturbation, sexual boredom, acceptance of sex myths, and sexual compulsiveness. In testing the model, a novel instrument was used, the Sexual Scripts Overlap Scale, designed to measure the influence of SEM on sexual socialization. Structural equation analyses suggested that negative effects of early exposure to SEM on young men's sexual satisfaction, albeit small, could be stronger than positive effects. Both positive and negative effects-the latter being expressed through suppression of intimacy-were observed only among users of paraphilic SEM. No effect of early exposure to SEM was found among the mainstream SEM users. To counterbalance moral panic but also glamorization of pornography, sex education programs should incorporate contents that would increase media literacy and assist young people in critical interpretation of pornographic imagery.